Group Travel Scoop - Groople.com

Only Here! Wedding Planning Advise

Just call me the wedding planner. "Wedding planning" sort of like "having a baby" is a subject that for those involved, they can just not get enough input on. The internet is teaming with "expert" advice on such topics. The advice can be so voluminous you can find advise down to the very selection and placement of silverware set upon the advised linen type/color sitting upon the suggested table shape with corresponding height…

Point is, lots of advise on planning a wedding out there! What there is not so much advice on, are basic tips in regards to the group of people that will be traveling to your wedding from out of state- your long distance wedding "groople" (GROup+peOPLE). In this domain, I have some nifty tips for you.

First, we want to get the maximum number of people you want to come, to come. Some of these people will be long distance travelers and are less likely to make the journey. We want to see these people! Our solution is simple, maximize their reasons for coming. Make coming to your wedding not just going to a very special one hour affair, make it a 2-3 day wedding event (wedding +).

There are lots of ways to do this. It can start in small ways like the word choice you use for your correspondence with your guests- make it all sound BIG. The most effective way is to plan a 2-3 day weekend for those traveling a long distance (and those close by). Two days before the wedding, plan a group bonding trip to the art museum, or a ball game. The night before the wedding, make sure everybody knows the importance of the rehearsal dinner and how they’re a VIP at it. By the time the wedding comes along it is no longer just the main event, but a grand finale to a terrific weekend experience.

You’ll also want to encourage everybody who can, to stay together at the same hotel. It builds a certain camaraderie that cannot be substituted for. This leads us straight to my most important piece of advise-

Streamline any and all details you can!

Through delegation and simplification get rid of the detail minutia! One detail neither a friend nor a wedding planner likely has expertise in, is group hotel planning. Use Groople. Groople is free and will take care of all things related to the travel of your long distance guests.

Lastly, make sure you get an accurate RSVP list. Really press people on whether they are planning to attend. Far too often people RSVP an d do not show up. Do not spend money on entertaining the air. You will be charged the same amount of money from all the vendors involved if the people show up or not! The people in the wedding industry have never even heard of the word "refund". Right before your event, do a second confirmation of your guests, a double RSVP!

And then live happily ever after.

Take your group to "America's Paradise" . . . Hawaii

Are you trying to find the perfect destination for your upcoming family reunion, destination wedding or "just for fun group"? I have the scoop for you! My name is Lisa and I am the resident "Vacation Destination Specialist". My experience comes from 8 years in the travel industry specializing in planning the perfect vacation for my clients. I want to talk about Hawaii today, which is my all-time personal favorite!

The Hawaiian islands are truly "America's Paradise" in many ways. Hawaii is a safe and wonderful destination for your family and/or group of friends. The range of activities is limitless from helicopter rides over the beautiful Na Pali coastline of Kauai to the snorkeling Molokini, a half sunken crater off the coast of Maui. There is something for everyone in Hawaii. For those who love to shop I recommend Front Street in Lahaina Town Maui as well as the International Market Place in Waikiki. Kauai and The Big island offer a eco-tourist's dream from the Wailua River to the mountains of Mauna Kea. There is also a huge range of dinning options on all the islands from 5 star restaurants like Chris Ruth's Steakhouse to good old McDonalds. Hawaii is a destination that can be done on any type of budget.

Another reason to consider Hawaii is romance. I had the wonderful experience of getting married on Maui's Makena beach, it was a breathtaking location. The wedding planners on the islands are wonderful and you will truly feel the Spirit of Aloha when working with them. The islands and pristine pacific ocean provide a back drop like no other for your wedding ceremony and celebration. And with the wealth of activities the islands provide, your friends and family will be thanking you for years to come for the experience of Hawaii and the many wonderful memories they will take home with them. I could go on and on about the wonders of Hawaii but I need to keep this to a blog entry and not a novel! Please feel free to call or email me, and I would be happy to share more of my experiences with you and answer any questions you may have.

Mahalo Nui Loa,
(Thank You Very Much)
Lisa